Kingmakers Issue Ultimatum to Governor Makinde Over Alaafin of Oyo Appointment

Five kingmakers in Oyo town, along with their preferred candidate for the Alaafin stool, Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, have given Governor Seyi Makinde a 30-day ultimatum to reverse the appointment of Prince Akeem Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo.

The ultimatum, issued through a letter dated January 14, 2025, by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Sobaloju on behalf of Gbadegesin, warns of impending legal action should the governor fail to comply.

In another letter dated the same day, the kingmakers cautioned Governor Makinde against making allegations of bribery in the selection process. The five kingmakers—Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola; Laguna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; and warrant chiefs Chief Wahab Oyetunji and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau—accused the governor of defaming their integrity and undermining the judicial process.

Allegations Against Makinde

The letters expressed dissatisfaction with the governor’s public comments, which labeled the initial selection process that produced Gbadegesin as corrupt. The kingmakers described the accusations as defamatory and urged Makinde to provide evidence in court instead of resorting to media criticism.

READ ALSO: Makinde approves Owoade’s appointment as new Alaafin of Oyo

“Your Excellency’s actions undermine the Oyomesi, custodians of tradition in Oyo kingdom. These allegations should be addressed legally if they hold any merit,” Sobaloju wrote.

Governor Makinde’s Position

Governor Makinde, during a ceremony presenting Owoade with the instruments of office, alleged that the process which produced Gbadegesin was compromised by corruption. He vowed to prosecute anyone found guilty of bribery in the selection process.

However, the kingmakers claim that Makinde violated the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, which vests the power of selection solely in the Oyomesi, and bypassed a pending lawsuit by unilaterally appointing Owoade.

Gbadegesin’s Legal Argument

Gbadegesin, through his counsel, insists that Makinde’s actions were illegal and contrary to provisions of the Chief’s Law of Oyo State, 2000. He further highlighted:

• The lack of any formal bribery investigation or complaints.
• Disregard for the unanimous selection of Gbadegesin by the Oyomesi.
• Non-compliance with a 2022 Oyo State High Court ruling that declared Ifa consultation unlawful in the selection process.

Reliefs Sought by Gbadegesin

Gbadegesin’s counsel is seeking the following from the court:

1. Declaration of Owoade’s appointment as unlawful, unconstitutional, and null.
2. Recognition of Gbadegesin as the legitimate Alaafin of Oyo.
3. Injunctions to restrain Owoade from acting as Alaafin.
4. Orders directing Governor Makinde to approve Gbadegesin’s appointment.

Implications

The ongoing dispute over the Alaafin of Oyo stool underscores the complexities of balancing tradition, legality, and governance. All eyes are now on Governor Makinde’s response to the ultimatum and potential legal proceedings that may follow.

The resolution of this issue will shape the future of the revered Alaafin stool and the cultural heritage of Oyo.